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Chickpeas Smothered in a Tangy Tomato Gravy

Tender and plump chickpeas really need no introduction as far as I'm concerned. Even my comrades who profess not to like beans can be persuaded to enjoy them. And they present so many possibilities to the cook. Now, as should be clear from even a quick look at my blog, I adore spicy food so it's no wonder that I should be especially smitten with spicing them up. When I cook them, I always boil up more than I need for the dish as I can never resist snacking on them just as they are while I complete my dinner prep.

I tend to eat small meals throughout the day, but this longtime favorite dish is one that I am tempted to eat just a bit more than maybe I am accustomed to at one sitting. But so long as I am not too stuffed, I don't feel guilty in the least. Despite its relative simplicity, or perhaps because of, it's a signature dish that I have perfected over the years. If you like a thick and spicy chickpea curry with a tangy and tart flavor, consider this as a meatless alternative to your usual fare or another recipe to add to your vegetarian or vegan repertoire. Give this one a try. You won't be disappointed.

Rinse the chickpeas and soak for 8 hours or overnight in several inches of water. Drain and rinse, then transfer to a large saucepan and cover with several inches of fresh water. Add 1/2 teaspoon of the turmeric and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until the chickpeas are tender. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid, and set aside.

Wipe the saucepan dry and add 2 tablespoons of the ghee or oil. Heat over medium heat, then add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds and stir for 30 seconds or until the mustard seeds turn grey and begin to splutter and pop. Add the ginger, cardamon and chilies to the pan and continue to stir for another 2 minutes.

Add the chickpeas and the reserved cooking liquid, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water as necessary or desired.

Stir in the remaining tablespoon of ghee or oil, most of the parsley or cilantro, and lime juice. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot or warm, and garnish each portion with some of the remaining chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve with fresh hot cooked basmati rice, a vegetable dish and some homemade chapatis.

Based in London, Ontario, a veteran vegetarian for 23 years serves up a collection of delicious culinary creations from her kitchen, with an emphasis on spicy Indian dishes and whole foods. If you want to know what sensible vegetarians eat, Lisa's Kitchen is the place to be.